Surgical Forceps

ABSTRACT

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to surgical forceps forsealing and/or cutting tissue.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action andelectrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating tissue and bloodvessels to coagulate, cauterize and/or seal tissue. As an alternative toopen forceps for use with open surgical procedures, many modern surgeonsuse endoscopic or laparoscopic instruments for remotely accessing organsthrough smaller, puncture-like incisions or natural orifices. As adirect result thereof, patients tend to benefit from less scarring andreduced healing time.

Endoscopic instruments, for example, are inserted into the patientthrough a cannula, or port, which has been made with a trocar. Typicalsizes for cannulas range from three millimeters to twelve millimeters.Smaller cannulas are usually preferred, which, as can be appreciated,ultimately presents a design challenge to instrument manufacturers whomust find ways to make endoscopic instruments that fit through thesmaller cannulas.

Many endoscopic surgical procedures require cutting or ligating bloodvessels or vascular tissue. Due to the inherent spatial considerationsof the surgical cavity, surgeons often have difficulty suturing vesselsor performing other traditional methods of controlling bleeding, e.g.,clamping and/or tying-off transected blood vessels. By utilizing anendoscopic electrosurgical forceps, a surgeon can either cauterize,coagulate/desiccate and/or simply reduce or slow bleeding simply bycontrolling the intensity, frequency and duration of the electrosurgicalenergy applied through the jaw members to the tissue. Most small bloodvessels, i.e., in the range below two millimeters in diameter, can oftenbe closed using standard electrosurgical instruments and techniques.However, if a larger vessel is ligated, it may be necessary for thesurgeon to convert the endoscopic procedure into an open-surgicalprocedure and thereby abandon the benefits of endoscopic surgery.Alternatively, the surgeon can seal the larger vessel or tissue.Typically, after a vessel or tissue is sealed, the surgeon advances aknife to sever the sealed tissue disposed between the opposing jawmembers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a forceps including an end effectorassembly. The end effector assembly includes first and second jawmembers disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. One orboth of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the other between anopen position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Aknife channel is defined within each of the jaw members and extendslongitudinally therealong. Each knife channel includes a body portionand a base portion. A knife assembly is also provided. The knifeassembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The knife isconfigured for translation through the body portions of the knifechannels. The bifurcated distal end of the knife includes first andsecond cutting members. Each cutting member defines an opposed cuttingsurface and has a tab disposed at a free end thereof opposite theopposed cutting surface. Each tab is configured for translation throughthe base portion of one of the knife channels. The knife is translatableinto the knife channels of the jaw members when the jaw members are inthe open or the closed position. The first and second cutting members ofthe knife are in an approximated position with respect to one anotherwhen translated through the knife channels of the jaw members when thejaw members are in the closed position. The cutting members are flexedapart from one another in a spaced relation when translated through theknife channels of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the openposition.

In one embodiment, the first and second cutting members are resilientlymoveable between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. The firstand second cutting members may also be biased toward the approximatedposition.

In another embodiment, when the first and second cutting members aredisposed at a distal end of the knife channels, the jaw members may bemoved between the open and closed positions to produce a scissor-cuttingeffect on tissue disposed between the jaw members.

In yet another embodiment, when the first and second cutting members aretranslated through the knife channels with the jaw members in the closedposition, the cutting members produce a dissection-cutting effect ontissue disposed between the jaw members.

In still another embodiment, one or both of the jaw members includes anelectrically conductive tissue sealing surface disposed on an opposedsurface thereof. The sealing surface(s) is adapted to connect to asource of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue disposed between thejaw members.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, an endeffector assembly for use with a forceps is provided. The end effectorassembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposedrelation relative to one another. One or both jaw members is moveablewith respect to the other between a spaced-apart position and anapproximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A cutting memberis disposed within one of the jaw members. The cutting member isselectively deployable from a retracted position to an extendedposition. In the retracted position, the cutting member is nested withina recessed portion defined within the jaw member. In the extendedposition, the cutting member is deployed between the jaw members to cuttissue grasped therebetween.

In still yet another embodiment, the cutting member is coupled to thejaw members by an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism mayinclude a spring coupled to an actuator.

In another embodiment, the cutting member is biased toward the retractedposition. Further, the cutting member may be configured to return to theretracted position upon movement of the jaw members from theapproximated position to the spaced-apart position.

In yet another embodiment, one or both of the jaw members includes anelectrically conductive tissue sealing surface disposed on an opposedsurface thereof. The sealing surface(s) is adapted to connect to asource of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue disposed between thejaw members.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, anend effector assembly for use with a forceps is provided. The endeffector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed inopposed relation relative to one another. One or both of the jaw membersis moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Atransducer is disposed within one of the jaw members and includes acutting member coupled thereto. The cutting member is configured toextend between the jaw members when the jaw members are moved to theapproximated position. Upon activation of the transducer, the transduceris configured to vibrate the cutting member with respect to the jawmembers to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members.

The transducer may be a piezoelectric transducer or a high frequencytransducer.

In yet another embodiment, the transducer is configured to vibrate thecutting member in at least one of a vertical and a horizontal direction.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing havinga shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at adistal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first andsecond jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another.One or both of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the otherbetween a spaced-apart position and an approximated position forgrasping tissue therebetween. A tubular member is disposed within theshaft. The tubular member includes a cutting edge formed at a distal endthereof. The tubular member defined a lumen therethrough and isconfigured for passage of a fluid therein. The tubular member istranslatable from a retracted position to an extended position. In theretracted position, the tubular member is disposed within the shaft. Inthe extended position the tubular member is translated distally betweenthe jaw members such that a portion of the tubular member extendsdistally from a distal end of the jaw members.

In one embodiment, the tubular member is a hypotube.

In still another embodiment, a channel is defined within one or both ofthe jaw members. The channel(s) is configured for translation of thetubular member therethrough.

In yet another embodiment, one or both of the jaw members includes anelectrically conductive tissue sealing surface disposed on an opposedsurface thereof. The sealing surface(s) is adapted to connect to asource of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue disposed between thejaw members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed forceps are describedherein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a forceps including an end effectorassembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view of the end effector assembly ofthe forceps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a knife shown in an approximated position andconfigured for use with the end effector assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the knife of FIG. 4A shown in a spaced-apartposition;

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 2 in a closed position showing the knife of FIG. 4A translatingtherethrough in an approximated position;

FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 2 in an open position showing the knife of FIG. 4A translatingtherethrough in a spaced-apart position;

FIG. 7A is a side, cross-sectional view of an end effector assemblyconfigured for use with the forceps of FIG. 1 according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure showing a cutting member in aretracted position;

FIG. 7B is a side, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 7A showing the cutting member being deployed from the retractedposition;

FIG. 7C is a side, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 7A showing the cutting member in a deployed position;

FIG. 7D is a side, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 7A showing the cutting member returning to the retracted position;

FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of an end effector assemblyconfigured for use with the forceps of FIG. 1 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present disclosure showing a transducer disposedwithin a jaw member of the end effector assembly;

FIG. 9A is a side, cross-sectional view of an end effector assemblyconfigured for use with the forceps of FIG. 1 according to still anotherembodiment of the present disclosure showing a tubular member advancingbetween jaw members of the end effector assembly;

FIG. 9B is a front, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly ofFIG. 9A showing the tubular member extending beyond a distal end of thejaw members;

FIG. 11A is a side, cross-sectional view of an end effector assemblyconfigure for use with the forceps of FIG. 1 according to still yetanother embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11B is a front, cross-sectional view of the end effector assemblyof FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument are describedin detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like referencenumerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein, theterm “distal” refers to the portion that is being described that isfurther from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portionthat is being described that is closer to a user.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a forceps 10 is provided including a housing 20,a handle assembly 30, a rotating assembly 80, a trigger assembly 70 andan end effector assembly 100. Forceps 10 further includes a shaft 12having a distal end 14 configured to mechanically engage end effectorassembly 100 and a proximal end 16 that mechanically engages housing 20.Housing 20 includes two halves that house the internal workingcomponents of forceps 10. Although shown as an endoscopic surgicalinstrument, forceps 10 may also be configured as an open, hemostat-stylesurgical instrument.

End effector assembly 100 includes a pair of opposed jaw members 110 and120. End effector assembly 100 is designed as a unilateral assembly,i.e., jaw member 120 is fixed relative to shaft 12 and jaw member 110 ismoveable about a pivot 103 (FIG. 2) relative to jaw member 120. However,either, or both jaw members 110, 120 may be moveable with respect to theother.

Forceps 10 also includes an electrosurgical cable 610 that connectsforceps 10 to a generator (not shown). Cable 610 has sufficient lengthto extend through shaft 12 in order to provide electrical energy to atleast one of jaw members 110 and 120 of end effector assembly 100.Alternatively, forceps 10 may be configured as a battery poweredinstrument.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, handle assembly 30 includes a fixedhandle 50 and a moveable handle 40. Fixed handle 50 is integrallyassociated with housing 20 and moveable handle 40 is moveable relativeto fixed handle 50. Moveable handle 40 of handle assembly 30 isultimately connected to a drive assembly (not shown) that, together,mechanically cooperate to impart movement of jaw members 110 and 120between an open, or spaced-apart position and a closed, or approximatedposition.

Rotating assembly 80 is integrally associated with housing 20 and isrotatable in either direction about a longitudinal axis “A-A” to rotateend effector assembly 100 and, thus, jaw members 110, 120, with respectto housing 20 about longitudinal axis “A-A.”

Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an end effector assembly foruse with forceps 10 (FIG. 1) is shown generally identified by referencenumeral 100. As mentioned above, end effector assembly 100 is disposedat distal end 14 of shaft 12 and includes first and second jaw members110, 120, respectively, disposed in opposing relation relative to oneanother. Each jaw member 110, 120 includes a respective electricallyconductive tissue sealing surface 112, 122 disposed on an opposedsurface thereof and an outer jaw housing 114, 124, respectively.

As best shown in FIG. 3, each jaw member 110, 120 includes a knifechannel 115, 125, respectively, defined therein and extendingtherealong. Knife channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120,respectively, bisect sealing surfaces 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120,respectively, into longitudinal sealing surface sections 112 a, 112 band 122 a, 122 b, respectively, that are disposed on either side ofrespective knife channels 115, 125. Further, knife channel 115 includesa body portion 116 and a base portion 117 configured such that knifechannel 115 defines a “T”-shaped configuration. Similarly, knife channel125 includes a body portion 126 and a base portion 127 and defines a“T”-shaped configuration. Upon movement of jaw members 110, 120 to theapproximated position, the opposed “T”-shaped knife channels 115, 125 ofjaw members 110, 120, respectively, cooperate to form an “I”-shapedchannel extending longitudinally through jaw members 110, 120.

FIGS. 4A-4B show a knife 160 of knife assembly 150 (FIGS. 5-6) that isconfigured for translation from an initial position within shaft 12(FIG. 2) through knife channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120,respectively, to cut tissue disposed therebetween. Knife 160 includes anelongated body 161 and a bifurcated distal end 162. Bifurcated distalend 162 of knife 160 includes first and second cutting members 165, 175,respectively, extending distally from elongated body 161 of knife 160.More specifically, each cutting member 165, 175 includes a respectivefixed end 165 a, 175 a and a respective free end 165 b, 175 b. Eachcutting member 165, 175 also includes an opposed cutting surface, oredge 167, 177, respectively. A tab 168, 178 is disposed opposite cuttingedges 167, 177 on each of cutting members 165, 175, respectively, atrespective free ends 165 b, 175 b thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, proximal end 164 of knife 160 isfixedly-engaged to a proximal end 155 of a drive bar 154 that extendsthrough shaft 12, ultimately coupling to trigger 70 (FIG. 1) forselectively translating knife 160 between a retracted position, whereinknife 160 is disposed within shaft 12 (FIG. 2), and an extendedposition, wherein knife 160 is advanced distally through channels 115,125 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively (FIGS. 5 and 6).

As mentioned above, knife 160 is configured for translation throughknife channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively.Specifically, tabs 168, 178 are configured for translation throughrespective base portions 117, 127 of channels 115, 125, while cuttingmembers 165, 175 are configured for translation through body portions116, 126 of channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively.Accordingly, tabs 168, 178 and base portions 117, 127 may becomplementarily-dimensioned such that tabs 168, 178 of respectivecutting members 165, 175 of knife 160 are retained within respectivebase portions 117, 127 of channels 115, 125 during translationtherethrough. Retaining tabs 168, 178 within base portions 117, 127 ofchannels 115, 125, respectively, helps ensure that knife 160 isconsistently translated through channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110,120, respectively, to cut tissue disposed therebetween. In other words,base portions 117, 127 of channels 115, 125, respectively, serve astracks for guiding the translation of tabs 168, 178 of cutting members165, 175, respectively, of knife 160 through channels 115, 125 ofrespective jaw members 110, 120.

With reference again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, cutting members 165, 175 ofknife 160 are moveable with respect to one another between anapproximated position (FIG. 4A) and a spaced-apart position (FIG. 4B).In the approximated position, as shown in FIG. 4A, cutting members 165,175 define a relatively small gap between opposed cutting edges 167,177. In the spaced-apart position, on the other hand, as shown in FIG.4B, cutting members 165, 175 are flexed apart from one another to definea relatively large gap between opposed cutting edges 167, 177. Cuttingmembers 165, 175 may be formed from a resilient, spring-like material tofacilitate movement of cutting members 165, 175 between the approximatedposition (FIG. 4A) and the spaced-apart position (FIG. 4B). Further,detents 163 may be defined within elongated body 161 of knife 160 towarddistal end 162 thereof to facilitate movement of cutting members 165,175 between the approximated position (FIG. 4A) and the spaced-apartposition (FIG. 4B). Alternatively, cutting members 165, 175 may bepivotably engaged at fixed ends 165 a, 175 a, respectively, thereof ormay be engaged in any other suitable fashion such that cutting members165, 175 are moveable with respect to one another between anapproximated position (FIG. 4A) and a spaced-apart position (FIG. 4B).Additionally, cutting members 165, 175 may be biased toward theapproximated position or, alternatively, may be biased toward thespaced-apart position.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 in conjunctions with FIGS. 4A and 4B,knife 160 may be translated through knife channels 115, 125 ofrespective jaw members 110, 120 when jaw members 110, 120 are disposedin either of the closed position (FIG. 5) or the open (FIG. 6) position.When jaw members 110, 120 are in the closed position, as shown in FIG.5, channels 115, 125 are substantially parallel with one another and areapproximated with respect to one another. Accordingly, when knife 160 istranslated through channels 115, 125 when jaw members 110, 120 are inthe closed position, the retention of tabs 168, 178 within respectivebase portion 117, 127 of channels 115, 125 maintains cutting members165, 175 in the approximated position (FIG. 4A), substantially parallelto one another. On the other hand, when jaw members 110, 120 are movedto the open position, as shown in FIG. 6, channels 115, 125 are nolonger parallel but, rather, are increasingly spaced-apart from oneanother from proximal ends 110 a, 120 a (FIG. 2) to distal ends 110 b,120 b (FIG. 2) of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. Thus, due to theretention of tabs 168, 178 of cutting members 165, 175 within baseportions 117, 127 of respective channels 115, 125, cutting members 165,175 are increasingly flexed apart from one another from the approximatedposition (FIG. 4A) to the spaced-apart position (FIG. 4B) as knife 160is translated distally through knife channels 115, 125 when jaw members110, 120 are in the open position.

The use and operation of end effector assembly 100 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 2-6. In use, end effector assembly 100 isadapted to operate in at least there different modes: a “sealing” mode,a “dissecting” mode, and a “scissor-cutting,” or “sheering” mode. Any ofthese modes may be performed independently or in conjunction with anyother modes of end effector assembly 100.

Regarding the “sealing” mode, end effector assembly 100 may be used toseal tissue. Initially, with jaw members 110, 120 in the open position,end effector assembly 100 is positioned such that tissue to be sealed isdisposed between jaw members 110, 120. Jaw members 110, 120 may then bemoved to the closed position, e.g., by squeezing moveable handle 40(FIG. 1) with respect to fixed handle 50 (FIG. 1), to grasp tissuebetween sealing surfaces 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively.Next, electrosurgical energy is supplied to sealing surfaces 112 and/or122 and is conducted through tissue disposed therebetween for sealingtissue grasped between sealing surfaces 112, 122. Accordingly, a tissueseal may be effected substantially along a width of sealing surfaces112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the “dissecting” mode of end effector assembly100 may be used to dissect, or divide tissue along the previously formedtissue seal (or may otherwise be used to dissect tissue grasped betweenjaw members 110, 120). With jaw members 110, 120 in the closed positiongrasping tissue between sealing surfaces 112, 122, respectively, knife160 of knife assembly 150 may be advanced distally from shaft 12 andthrough knife channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively,to divide tissue disposed between sealing surfaces 112, 122. Moreparticularly, upon actuation, e.g., upon depression of trigger 70 (FIG.1), drive bar 154 is urged distally, thereby translating knife 160distally through end effector assembly 100.

As knife 160 is translated distally from shaft 12 into end effectorassembly 100, tabs 168, 178 of cutting members 165, 175 of bifurcateddistal end 162 of knife 160 are retained within and translated throughrespective base portions 117, 127 of channels 115, 125, as best shown inFIG. 3. At the same time, cutting members 165, 175 are translatedthrough respective body portions 116, 126 of channels 115, 125. With jawmembers 110, 120 in the closed position, channels 115, 125 cooperate todefine the “I”-shaped channel discussed above. Accordingly, baseportions 117, 127 of channels 115, 125 are substantially parallel andapproximated with respect to one another when jaw members 110, 120 arein the closed position. Thus, as mentioned above, when knife 160 isadvanced distally through the closed jaw members 110, 120, the retentionof tabs 168, 178 of cutting members 165, 175 within base portions 117,127 of respective channels 115, 125, maintains cutting members 165, 175in the approximated position (see FIG. 4A).

As knife 160 is translated further distally through end effectorassembly 100, opposed cutting edges 167, 177 of cutting members 165, 175are advanced through tissue grasped between sealing surfaces 112, 122 ofjaw members 110, 120, respectively, to divide tissue disposedtherebetween. The bifurcated configuration of cutting members 165, 175of knife 160 facilitates dissection of tissue by providing two opposedcutting edges 167, 177, creating a larger cutting area, and alsofacilitating dissection of tissue by funneling tissue into the gapdefined between cutting members 165, 175, e.g., between cutting edges167, 177, allowing for dissection of tissue substantially along theentire length of cutting edges 167, 177.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the “scissor-cutting” or “sheering” mode of endeffector assembly 100 is described. Initially, jaw members 110, 120 aremoved to the open position and are positioned such that tissue to be cutis disposed therebetween. In this open position, as mentioned above,channels 115, 125 are increasingly flexed, or spaced-apart from oneanother from proximal ends 110 a, 120 a to distal ends 110 b, 120 b ofjaw members 110, 120, respectively. With jaw members 110, 120 in thisopen position, trigger 70 (FIG. 1) is actuated to advance drive bar 154distally, thereby translating knife 160 distally through channels 115,125 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. More specifically, knife 160is translated distally into end effector assembly 100 such that tabs168, 178 of respective cutting members 165, 175 are translated throughbase portions 117, 127 of channels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120,respectively. The retention of tabs 168, 178 within base portions 117,127 of respective channels 115, 125 cause cutting members 165, 175 toincreasingly flex apart from one another to the spaced-apart position(FIG. 4B) as knife 160 is translated from proximal ends 110 a, 120 a todistal end 110 b, 120 b of jaw members 110, 120, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 6, when knife 160 is translated through end effectorassembly 100 with jaw members 110, 120 in the open position, endeffector assembly 100 defines an “open-scissor” configuration. Moreparticularly, opposed cutting edges 167, 177 of respective cuttingmembers 165, 175 extend inwardly toward one another from channels 115,125, respectively, to define the scissor-cutting edges 167, 177 of thescissor blades (jaw members 110, 120). End effector assembly 100 mayinclude a locking mechanism (not shown) for fixing cutting members 165,175 in this extended position wherein cutting edges 167, 177 act as thescissor-cutting edges 167, 177 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively.

From the position shown in FIG. 6, end effector assembly 100 may beadvanced distally with respect to tissue to dissect through tissue, or,alternatively, jaw members 110, 120 may be moved between the open andclosed positions for scissor-cutting tissue disposed between jaw members110, 120. More particularly, during scissor-cutting, cutting members165, 175 are moved between the spaced-apart position and theapproximated position as jaw members 110, 120 are moved between the openand closed positions. As a result, opposed cutting edges 167, 177 aremoved between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position,cutting tissue disposed therebetween in a scissor-like fashion.

Another embodiment of an end effector assembly, end effector assembly200, configured for use with forceps 10 (FIG. 1) is shown in FIGS.7A-7D. As in the previous embodiment, end effector assembly 200 includesfirst and second jaw members 210, 220, respectively, disposed in opposedrelation relative to one another. One (or both) of jaw members 210, 220is moveable with respect to the other about a pivot 203 between an open,or spaced-apart position and a closed, or approximated position forgrasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member 210, 220 also includes anelectrically conductive tissue sealing surface 212, 222, respectively,disposed on an opposed surface thereof and a respective outer jawhousing 214, 224.

One (or both) of the jaw members, e.g., jaw member 210, includes acutting assembly 250 disposed within a cavity 216 defined therein.Cutting assembly 250 includes a cutting member 260, an actuationmechanism, e.g., a spring 272 (or a wire or link (not shown)) and acable 274 (or shaft (not shown)) coupled to cutting assembly 250,extending through shaft 12 (FIG. 1) and ultimately coupling to trigger70 (FIG. 1) for selectively deploying cutting member 260 from aretracted position (FIG. 7A) to an extended position (FIG. 7C) forcutting tissue disposed between jaw members 210, 220. Jaw member 220 mayalso include a cavity, or channel 226 defined therein to permit fullextension of cutting member 260 through the gap “G” defined between jawmembers 210, 220 to cut tissue disposed therebetween.

In the illustrated embodiment, cutting member 260 defines a triangularcross-sectional profile and includes a serrated bottom cutting edge 262,although other cross-sectional and/or cutting edge configurations may beprovided. Cutting member 260 is coupled at a proximal end thereof to theactuation mechanism, e.g., spring 272. The actuation mechanism mayinclude hydraulics, cables, linkages, or any other spring-like mechanismcapable of deploying cutting member 260 from the retracted position tothe extended position. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism mayinclude a shape memory element that is elongated upon heating to deploycutting member 260 from the retracted position to the extended position.Cable 274 is coupled to spring 272 and extends proximally from jawmember 210, through shaft 12 (FIG. 1), ultimately coupling to trigger 70(FIG. 1) for user-controlled activation of cutting assembly 250. Uponactivation, e.g., upon depression of trigger 70 (FIG. 1) cable 274mechanically, electrically, or electro-mechanically actuates theactuation mechanism, e.g., spring 272, to deploy cutting member 260 fromthe retracted position (FIG. 7A) to the extended position (FIG. 7C).

As shown in FIG. 7A, jaw members 210, 220 are disposed in theapproximated position and cutting member 260 is disposed in theretracted position. More particularly, in the retracted position,cutting member 260 is nested within cavity 216 defined within jaw member210. Cavity 216 may define a triangular cross-sectional profile that issloped complementarily to cutting member 260 such that, in the retractedposition, a proximal side of cutting member substantially mates with aproximal surface of cavity 216 and such that an angled top side ofcutting member 260 substantially mates with an angled top surface ofcavity 216. Further, cavity 216 may be dimensioned such that, in theretracted position, cutting member 260 is nested completely therein. Inother words, when cutting member 260 is in the retracted position,bottom cutting surface 262 is completely disposed within cavity 216 and,thus, does not extend, or protrude into the gap space “G” definedbetween jaw members 210, 220. As can be appreciated, such aconfiguration prevents cutting member 260 from interfering with jawmembers 210, 220 during the grasping and/or sealing of tissue.

Spring 272 (or other actuation mechanism) may be biased toward theextended position, thus biasing cutting member 260 toward the extendedposition. Accordingly, with spring 272 biased toward the extendedposition, a releasable locking mechanism 275 may be provided forreleasably locking cutting member 260 in the retracted position (FIG.7A) against the bias of spring 272. Thus, when cutting member 260 islocked in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 7A, spring 272 is“set” or “armed” for deployment. Accordingly, upon unlocking of lockingmechanism 275, e.g., upon actuation of cutting assembly 250, spring 272and, thus, cutting member 260, are deployed to the extended position.Further, the releasable locking mechanism 275 may include one or moresafety features configured to prevent inadvertent deployment of cuttingmember 260 such as, for example, an automatic locking feature thatprevents deployment of cutting member 260 when jaw members 210, 220 arein the spaced-apart position.

In operation, with reference now to FIGS. 7A-7D, jaw members 210, 220 ofend effector assembly 200 are configured for movement between thespaced-apart position and the approximated position for grasping tissuetherebetween. With tissue grasped between jaw member 210, 220, as in theprevious embodiment, electrosurgical energy may be supplied to one (orboth) of opposed tissue sealing surfaces 212, 222 of jaw members 210,220, respectively, and conducted through tissue to effect a tissue seal.

Further, cutting assembly 250 is configured for cutting, or dividingtissue grasped between jaw members 210, 220. With tissue grasped betweenjaw members 210, 220, trigger 70 (FIG. 1) may be depressed to activate,or deploy spring 272 from the locked, retracted position. As best shownin FIG. 7B, upon release of locking mechanism 275, e.g., upon depressionof trigger 70 (FIG. 1), the “armed” spring 272 is deployed, expandingback toward the biased, extended position. With spring 272 disposedbetween the relatively fixed proximal surface of jaw member 210 thatdefines cavity 216 and the proximal side of the moveable cutting member260, cutting member 260 is urged distally by the expansion of spring 272back to the biased, or at-rest position. Additionally, due to thecomplementary triangular cross-sectional profile configurations ofcavity 216 and cutting member 260, cutting member 260 is angled inwardlytoward jaw member 220 upon distal translation of cutting member 260. Inother words, as cutting member 260 is advanced distally, the angled topside of cutting member 260 is slid distally and inwardly, guided by andsliding along the angled top surface of cavity 216 such that cuttingmember 260 is extended into the gap space “G” defined between sealingsurfaces 212, 222 of jaw members 210, 220, respectively.

With reference now to FIG. 7C, as cutting member 260 is slid furtherdistally and inwardly, cutting member 260 eventually extends into thegap space “G” between jaw members 210, 220 and contacts tissue graspedbetween jaw members 210, 220. Serrated cutting edge 262 of cuttingmember 260 facilitates separation of tissue as cutting member 260 isadvanced therethrough. More particularly, since cutting member 260 istranslated inwardly toward jaw member 220 with respect to tissue inaddition to being translated distally with respect to tissue, theserrations of cutting edge 262 “catch” and divide tissue in a singlepass, functioning similarly to a single stroke of a serrated knife or asingle stroke of a handsaw.

Spring 272 may be configured to exert a sufficient deployment force suchthat, upon actuation, e.g., upon depression of trigger 70 (FIG. 1),spring 272 urges cutting member 260 between jaw members 210, 220,completely through tissue disposed therebetween, and into channel 226defined within jaw member 220. In other words, the stored energy inspring 272 (or other actuation mechanism), which is dependent upon thespring constant, must be great enough to urge cutting member 260 throughtissue and into channel 226 of jaw member 220, overcoming the resistiveforces of tissue as cutting member 260 is advanced therethrough.Accordingly, spring 272 (or other actuation mechanism) may be configuredaccording to a particular size and/or composition of tissue or range ofsizes and/or compositions of tissue to be sealed and cut.

With reference now to FIG. 7D, once tissue grasped between sealingsurfaces 212, 222 of jaw members 210, 220, respectively, has beendivided, e.g., once cutting member 260 has been deployed from cavity 216of jaw member 210 (the retracted position), through tissue and intochannel 226 of jaw member 220 (the extended position), jaw members 210,220 may be moved from the approximated position to the spaced-apartposition to release the sealed and divided tissue so that, ultimately,end effector assembly 200 may be removed from the surgical site.

Upon movement of jaw members 210, 220 to the spaced-apart position,cutting assembly 250 may be configured such that spring 272 and cuttingmember 260 are automatically returned to the retracted position. Moreparticularly, upon return of moveable handle 40 (FIG. 1) with respect tofixed handle 50 (FIG. 1) to the initial position shown in FIG. 1, jawmembers 210, 220 are moved to the spaced-apart position. As jaw members210, 220 are increasingly spaced-apart from one another, lockingmechanism 275 may be configured to reset, or “re-arm” spring 272, suchthat cutting member 260 is returned and fixed in the retracted position.Springs, hydraulics, or other mechanical, electro-mechanical, orelectrical mechanisms may be included to facilitate the automatic returnand rearming of spring 272 and cutting member 260 upon movement of jawmembers 210, 220 to the spaced-apart position.

Alternatively, spring 272 may be returned to the retracted position bytranslating cable 274 distally to engage locking mechanism 275 withcutting member 260 and thereafter translating cable 274 proximally toretract cutting member 260. This may be accomplished by returningtrigger 70 (FIG. 1) to its initial position. Further, cable 274 may beengaged to cutting member 260, in addition to, or in place of spring272. In such an embodiment, cable 274 is translated between a proximalposition and a distal position to move cutting member 260 between theretracted and extended positions, e.g., via selective actuation oftrigger 70 (FIG. 1).

Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 8, end effector assembly 300 isconfigured for use with forceps 10 (FIG. 1) and generally includes firstand second jaw members 310, 320, respectively. Each jaw member 310, 320includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface 312, 322,respectively, disposed on an opposed surface thereof and a respectiveouter jaw housing 314, 324. Jaw members 310, 320 are moveable between aspaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissuetherebetween.

One (or both) of the jaw members, e.g., jaw members 320, includes acutting assembly 330 disposed within a cavity 326 defined therein.Cutting assembly 330 includes a transducer 350 positioned within cavity326, a cutting member 360 disposed on and operably-coupled to transducer350 and a control wire(s) 370 coupled to transducer 350. The cuttingmember 360 defines a cutting blade or edge 362 extending from cavity 326between sealing members 312, 322 of jaw members 310, 320, respectively.Control wire(s) 370 extends from jaw members 320 and through shaft 12(FIG. 1) for electrically coupling transducer 350 to an energy source,e.g., electrosurgical cable 610 (FIG. 1), and to a switch 90 (FIG. 1)for selectively controlling transducer 350.

Jaw member 310 may include a cavity 316 defined therein and positionedopposite cutting assembly 330 to permit full approximation of jawmembers 310, 320. In other words, upon movement of jaw members 310, 320to the approximated position, cutting edge 362 of cutting member 360 ofcutting assembly 330 may extend at least partially into cavity 316 suchthat cutting edge 362 does not contact sealing surface 312 of jaw member310 when jaw members 310, 320 are in the approximated position. Further,cavity 316 of jaw member 310 may be configured to permit oscillation ofcutting member 360 with respect to jaw members 310, 320 when jaw members310, 320 are in the approximated position without cutting member 360contacting jaw member 310.

Transducer 350 may be a piezoelectric transducer, a high-frequencytransducer, or any other suitable transducer. Transducer 350 isconfigured to convert electrical energy supplied thereto, e.g., fromcontrol wire(s) 370 via a suitable energy source, into mechanical, orvibrational energy to oscillate, or vibrate cutting member 360 ofcutting assembly 330. Transducer 350 may be configured to vibratecutting member 360 in a vertical and/or a horizontal direction withrespect to jaw members 310, 320. Transducer 350 may further beconfigured to operate in several modes, e.g., a high frequency mode anda lower frequency mode, and, accordingly, switch 90 (FIG. 1) may includean “off” setting, and one or more “on” settings corresponding to thedifferent operational modes of transducer 350.

As in the previous embodiments, end effector assembly 300 may be used toseal tissue. In order to seal tissue, jaw members 310, 320 of endeffector assembly 300 are moved from the spaced-apart position to theapproximated position to grasp tissue therebetween. With tissue graspedbetween jaw members 310, 320, electrosurgical energy may be supplied totissue sealing surfaces 312 and/or 322 of respective jaw members 310,320 to seal tissue grasped therebetween. During tissue sealing,transducer 350 remains in “off” position. Thus, while tissue graspedbetween jaw members 310, 320 may contact cutting surface 362 of cuttingmember 360, tissue is substantially unaffected due to the stationaryposition of cutting surface 362 of cutting member 360 with respect tojaw members 310, 320.

Once tissue sealing is complete, and with tissue still grasped betweensealing surfaces 312, 322 of jaw members 310, 320, respectively, switch90 (FIG. 1) may be moved to the “on” position to activate transducer 350for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members 310, 320. Morespecifically, as mentioned above, when transducer 350 is activated,electrical energy supplied thereto by wire(s) 370 is converted intomechanical energy for vibrating cutting member 360 and, thus, cuttingedge 362 with respect to tissue grasped between jaw members 310, 320.Cutting edge 362 may include sharpened and/or textured features tofacilitate cutting of tissue upon vibration of cutting member 360 withrespect to tissue. Further, as vibrating cutting edge 362 contactstissue and is vibrated with respect to the relatively fixed tissue, thefriction created may thermally-enhance the cutting of tissue disposedbetween jaw members 310, 320.

As mentioned above, transducer 350 may be configured to operate inmultiple modes corresponding to different frequencies and/or directionsof motion. Accordingly, the operator may select the particular mode,e.g., high frequency, that is suitable for dividing a particular sizeand/or composition of tissue.

With reference now to FIGS. 9A-10, another end effector assemblyconfigured for use with forceps 10 (FIG. 1) is generally identified byreference numeral 400. End effector assembly 400 includes first andsecond jaw members 410, 420, respectively, disposed in opposed relationrelative to one another. Each jaw member 410, 420, includes a respectiveelectrically conductive tissue sealing surface 412, 422 disposed on anopposed surface thereof and an outer jaw housing 414, 424, respectively.Jaw members 410 and/or 420 are moveable with respect to one anotherbetween a spaced-apart position and an approximated position forgrasping tissue therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 9B, each jaw member 410, 420 also includes acomplementary longitudinal channel 415, 425, respectively, definedtherein that cooperate to form a longitudinally-extending chamber whenjaw members 410, 420 are moved to the approximated position. Channels415, 425 may define half-circular front cross-sectional configurationssuch that, upon approximation of jaw members 410, 420, channels 415, 425cooperate to define a cylindrical chamber extending longitudinallybetween jaw members 410, 420. Channels 415, 425 may extend completelyalong jaw members 410, 420, respectively, such that, as will bedescribed below, a cutting tube 450 may be deployed from shaft 12(FIG. 1) and into end effector assembly 400, through the cylindricalchamber defined by channels 415, 425, and may extend distally beyond adistal end 410 b, 420 b of jaw members 410, 420, respectively (see FIG.10).

With reference now to FIGS. 9A-10, cutting tube 450 includes anelongated cylindrical body and defines a lumen 456 extendingtherethrough. Cylindrical cutting tube 450 is configured for translationthrough the cylindrical chamber extending through end effector assembly400 when jaw members 410, 420 are in the approximated position. Distalend 454 of cutting tube 450 may include an angled distal tip 458 thatmay define a cutting edge 458. Cutting tube 450 may also include a rigidportion and a semi-rigid, or flexible portion. The rigid portion ofcutting tube 450 may be disposed toward distal end 454 of cutting tube450 to facilitate translation of culling tube 450 through jaw members410, 420 to cut tissue disposed therebetween. The flexible, orsemi-rigid portion of cutting tube 450 may permit articulation ofcutting tube 450 when cutting tube 450 is extended beyond distal ends410 b, 420 b of jaw members 410, 420, respectively. In one particularembodiment, cutting tube 450 may be configured as a hypotube.

Cutting tube 450 is initially disposed within shaft 12 (FIG. 1) in aretracted position. Cutting tube 450 is selectively translatable throughend effector assembly 400, and may extend beyond distal ends 410 b, 420b of jaw members 410, 420, respectively when translated to a fullyextended position. A proximal end 452 of cutting tube 450 may be adaptedto connect to a fluid source for delivering fluid through lumen 456 ofcutting tube 450 to a surgical site, or area. Specifically, fluid, e.g.,medicament, may be supplied through lumen 456 of cutting tube 450 to anarea just beyond distal ends 410 b, 420 b of respective jaw members 410,420 when cutting tube 450 is in the fully extended position.Alternatively, fluid may be supplied to tissue grasped between jawmembers 410, 420 as cutting tube 450 cuts through tissue, for example,to reduce bleeding and/or to inhibit adhesion of tissue to end effectorassembly 400. In addition to supplying fluid to a surgical area, cuttingtube 450 may also be configured to operate in a suction mode forremoving fluid from the surgical area.

In operation, as in the previous embodiment, tissue may be graspedbetween sealing surfaces 412, 422 of respective jaw members 410, 420 andelectrosurgical energy may be supplied thereto for sealing tissue.

Additionally, as mentioned above, cutting tube 450 may be advancedthrough end effector assembly 400 from proximal ends 110 a, 120 a todistal ends 110 b, 120 b of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, forcutting tissue grasped therebetween and for supplying and/or removingfluid from the surgical site. More particularly, in regards to tissuecutting, or dissection, trigger 70 (FIG. 1) may be depressed to actuatedeployment of cutting tube 450 from shaft 12 (FIG. 1) and between jawmembers 410, 420. As cutting tube 450 is advanced through channels 415,425 of jaw members 410, 420, respectively, angled distal cutting edge458 cuts through tissue grasped between jaw members 410, 420.Alternatively, cutting tube 450 may be advanced to the fully extendedposition (where tissue is not disposed between jaw members 410, 420)such that angled distal cutting edge 458 extends distally from distalends 410 b, 420 b of jaw members 410, 420, respectively. In such aposition, end effector assembly 400 may be translated distally withrespect to tissue to dissect tissue positioned distal of jaw members410, 420 to reach a surgical site, or area.

As mentioned above, cutting tube 450 may be used to supply (or remove)fluid, e.g., gas and/or liquid, to tissue disposed between or positioneddistal of jaw members 410, 420 of end effector assembly 400. Thus, endeffector assembly 400 provides a single instrument, e.g., forceps 10,capable of sealing tissue, cutting tissue (tissue grasped between jawmembers 410, 420 and tissue positioned distal of jaw members 410, 420),supplying fluids to a surgical site, and/or removing fluids from asurgical site.

With reference now to FIGS. 11A-11B, yet another embodiment of an endeffector assembly for use with forceps 10 (FIG. 1) is shown generallyidentified by reference numeral 500. End effector assembly 500 includesfirst and second jaw members 510, 520. Each jaw member 510, 520 includesa respective opposed sealing surface 512, 522 and an outer jaw housing514, 524, respectively. Jaw members 510, 520 are moveable with respectto one another from a spaced-apart position to an approximated positionfor grasping tissue between sealing surfaces 512, 522 of jaw members510, 520, respectively.

One jaw member, e.g., jaw member 520, includes a cutting member 550disposed within a cavity defined therein and extending longitudinallytherealong, while the other jaw member, e.g., jaw member 510, includes asharpening block 556 disposed within a cavity defined therein andextending longitudinally therealong. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, jawmember 510 includes sharpening block 556 and jaw member 520 includescutting member 550, although this configuration may be reversed.

Cutting member 550 includes a base 552 engaged within jaw member 520 anda blade 554 engaged to base 552 and extending from jaw member 520 towardjaw member 510. Blade 554 extends longitudinally along jaw member 520and may be centered on jaw member 520. Blade 554 defines a width, orthickness “t,” as shown in FIG. 11B.

Sharpening block 556 is disposed within jaw member 510 and is positionedopposite cutting member 550. A sharpening channel 558 is defined withinblock 556 and extends longitudinally along jaw member 510. Channel 558defines a width “w” that is equal to or slightly less than the thickness“t” of blade 554 of cutting member 550. Alternatively, thisconfiguration may be reversed, with the thickness of blade 554 beingequal to or slightly less than the width of channel 558. Further,channel 558 may taper inwardly, defining a decreasing width from theopen end to the closed end (the bottom of the channel) thereof.

Channel 558 of sharpening block 556 is configured such that, uponapproximation of jaw members 510, 520, blade 554 of cutting member 550is urged at least partially into channel 558 of sharpening block 556. Assuch, due to the relative dimensions of blade 554 and channel 558, blade554 contacts the inner surface 557 of sharpening block 556 that defineschannel 558 as jaw members 510, 520 are moved to the approximatedposition. In fact, as blade 554 is urged into channel 558, the outerperipheral surface 555 of blade 554 is sharpened upon contact with innersurface 557 of channel 558. In other words, the inner surface 557 ofchannel 558 defines a sheering or sharpening surface for sharpening theouter peripheral surface 555 of blade 554 as blade 554 is urged throughchannel 558. Additionally, the inner surface 557 of sharpening block 556that defines channel 558 may include sharpening, or sheering featureswhich facilitate the sharpening (or may be formed from a material thatfacilitates sharpening) of blade 554 upon the urging of blade 554 ofcutting member 550 into channel 558 of sharpening block 556. Thus, ascan be appreciated, blade 554 is sharpened each time jaw members 510,520 are moved between the approximated and spaced-apart positions.

In operation, as in the previous embodiments, end effector assembly 500is initially positioned such that tissue to be sealed and/or cut isdisposed between jaw members 510 and 520. Next, jaw members 510, 520 maybe moved from the spaced-apart position to the approximated position tograsp tissue between sealing surfaces 512, 522 of respective jaw members510, 520. With jaw members 510, 520 in the approximated position,electrosurgical energy may be supplied to sealing surfaces 512, 522 ofjaw members 510, 520, respectively, for sealing tissue. Simultaneously,or nearly simultaneously, as jaw members 510, 520 are moved to theapproximated position, the sharpened blade 554 of cutting member 550 ofjaw members 520 is translated through tissue to divide tissue disposedbetween jaw members 510, 520. Upon movement of jaw member 510, 520 tothe fully approximated position, blade 554 is urged through tissue andinto channel 558 of sharpening block 556 of jaw member 510 wherein blade554 is sharpened.

Thus, end effector assembly 500 may be used to simultaneously ornear-simultaneously, grasp, seal and divide tissue. Due to theself-sharpening, or sheering configuration of cutting member 550 andsharpening block 556, blade 554 is repeatedly sharpened with eachsuccessive cut. Accordingly, end effector assembly 500 may be used toefficiently and effectively grasp, seal and divide multiple vessels (orother tissue) in succession, without a decrease in effectiveness, e.g.,blade dulling, as a result of repeated use.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1. A forceps, comprising: an end effector assembly including: first andsecond jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another,at least one of the jaw members moveable with respect to the otherbetween an open position and a closed position for grasping tissuetherebetween; a knife channel defined within each of the jaw members andextending longitudinally therealong, each knife channel including a bodyportion and a base portion; a knife assembly, the knife assemblyincluding a knife having a bifurcated distal end and configured fortranslation through the body portions of the knife channels, thebifurcated distal end of the knife including first and second cuttingmembers, each cutting member defining a cutting surface and having a tabdisposed at a free end thereof, each tab configured for translationthrough the base portion of one of the knife channels; and wherein theknife is translatable into the knife channels of the jaw members whenthe jaw members are in the open or closed positions, the first andsecond cutting members of the knife in an approximated position withrespect to one another when translated through the knife channels of thejaw members when the jaw members are in the closed position, the firstand second cutting members flexed apart from one another in a spacedrelation when translated through the knife channels of the jaw memberswhen the jaw members are in the open position.
 2. The forceps accordingto claim 1, wherein the first and second cutting members are resilientlymoveable between the spaced-apart and approximated positions.
 3. Theforceps according to claim 1, wherein the first and second cuttingmembers are biased toward the approximated position.
 4. The forcepsaccording to claim 1, wherein, when the first and second cutting membersare disposed at a distal end of the knife channels, moving the jawmembers between the open and closed positions produces a scissor-cuttingeffect on tissue disposed between the jaw members.
 5. The forcepsaccording to claim 1, wherein, when the first and second cutting membersare translated through the knife channels with the jaw members in theclosed position, the cutting members produce a dissection-cutting effecton tissue disposed between the jaw members.
 6. The forceps according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the jaw members includes anelectrically conductive tissue sealing surface disposed on an opposedsurface thereof, the at least one sealing surface adapted to connect toa source of electrosurgical energy for sealing tissue disposed betweenthe jaw members.
 7. An end effector assembly for use with a forceps, theend effector assembly comprising: first and second jaw members disposedin opposed relation relative to one another, at least one of the jawmembers moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apartposition and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween;and a cutting member disposed within one of the jaw members, the cuttingmember deployable from a retracted position, wherein the cutting memberis nested within a recessed portion defined within the jaw member, to anextended position, wherein the cutting member is extended between thejaw members, to cut tissue grasped therebetween.
 8. The end effectorassembly according to claim 7, wherein the cutting member is coupled tothe jaw members by an actuation mechanism.
 9. The end effector assemblyaccording to claim 8, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a springcoupled to an actuator.
 10. The end effector assembly according to claim7, wherein the cutting member is biased toward the retracted position.11. The end effector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the cuttingmember is configured to return to the retracted position upon movementof the jaw members from the approximated position to the spaced-apartposition.
 12. The forceps according to claim 7, wherein at least one ofthe jaw members includes an electrically conductive tissue sealingsurface disposed on an opposed surface thereof, the at least one sealingsurface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy forsealing tissue disposed between the jaw members.
 13. An end effectorassembly for use with a forceps, the end effector assembly comprising:first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative toone another, at least one of the jaw members moveable with respect tothe other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated positionfor grasping tissue therebetween; a transducer disposed within one ofthe jaw members; and a cutting member coupled to the transducer, thecutting member configured to extend between the jaw members when the jawmembers are in the approximated position such that, upon activation ofthe transducer, the transducer vibrates the cutting member with respectto the jaw members to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. 14.The end effector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the transduceris one of a piezoelectric transducer and a high frequency transducer.15. The end effector assembly according to claim 13, wherein thetransducer is configured to vibrate the cutting member in at least oneof a vertical and a horizontal direction.